Between sea and mountains, this circular route from Torrox passes through some of the most beautiful white villages in the Axarquía region. Scenic climbs, technical descents and a final stretch along the Mediterranean after passing through Frigiliana, Cómpeta and Sayalonga. A full day of cycling with true Andalusian flavour.
The route begins in Torrox Pueblo, in the heart of the Axarquía, with a gentle descent down to the coast. From there, the road runs flat along the seafront to Nerja, where the climbing starts towards Frigiliana, one of the best-preserved and most picturesque white villages in all of Andalucía.
After descending back to Torrox, the route climbs once more, this time up to Cómpeta, a steady ascent rewarded with open views of the surrounding sierras. From there, the road winds through a beautiful string of white villages: Canillas de Albaida, Árchez, Sayalonga and Algarrobo, each with its own charm and whitewashed streets tucked between olive trees, almond groves and mountain slopes.
The final descent brings riders down to the coast at Algarrobo Costa, followed by an easy flat section for the last few kilometres to Torrox Costa. A route that blends coastline, mountains and deep Andalusian tradition in just 74 kilometres.
The Axarquía is one of the most culturally rich areas of Malaga province, and this route allows cyclists to explore some of its most iconic towns and villages. Torrox boasts “the best climate in Europe” and features a historic centre with strong Moorish roots.
Frigiliana, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, preserves a unique Moorish-style layout with cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and a long agricultural tradition tied to sugarcane and wine.
Cómpeta, famous for its sweet Muscat wine, has been a high-altitude farming village for centuries. Its main square, church and bodegas offer an authentic glimpse into traditional village life. Canillas de Albaida, Árchez and Sayalonga complete this journey through the rural heritage of the Axarquía, with Mudejar churches, traditional architecture and remnants of old roads that once connected the coast with the mountains.
The Axarquía is a land of vineyards, raisins and olive oil, but also of hearty dishes perfect for hungry cyclists. Along the way, riders can enjoy choto al ajillo (garlic kid goat), ensaladilla arriera (a tuna and orange salad), or the local take on ajoblanco with grapes.
Cómpeta and Frigiliana are excellent places to sample artisanal sweet wines, while in Sayalonga or Algarrobo you will find typical sweets like roscos de vino or tortas de aceite.
Finishing by the sea means you can end the ride with a grilled sardine skewer (espeto) or a plate of pescaíto frito (fried fish) in Torrox Costa, with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
This route showcases some of the Axarquía’s most fertile and diverse landscapes: mango and avocado orchards at lower elevations, centuries-old olive groves and Muscat vineyards on the hillsides, and classic Mediterranean scrub such as rockrose, thyme and rosemary at the highest points.
The seasonal ravines and streams that cut through the white villages are lined with poplars, reeds and oleanders, adding colour and freshness to the ride. As you return to the coast, palm trees and pines blend with bougainvillea and jasmine, perfuming the last few kilometres into Torrox Costa.
On the climbs toward Cómpeta and Canillas, it is common to spot wild mountain goats on the hillsides and birds of prey gliding overhead. The area is also home to species like the European bee-eater, kestrel and Sardinian warbler, all frequent sights in the eastern part of the province.
In spring, blooming almond and citrus trees attract butterflies and bees. In the higher sections you might hear the song of nightingales or even catch a glimpse of wild boars crossing your path at dawn.
From the sea to the mountains and back to the Mediterranean. This circular route starts on the coast of Torremolinos and takes cyclists through some of the most varied landscapes in the province: the climb to Benalmádena Pueblo, the slopes of Mijas and the fertile valleys of Cártama and Churriana. A full day of cycling with a local flavour – tejeringos included.
Between sea and mountains, this circular route from Torrox passes through some of the most beautiful white villages in the Axarquía region. Scenic climbs, technical descents and a final stretch along the Mediterranean after passing through Frigiliana, Cómpeta and Sayalonga. A full day of cycling with true Andalusian flavour.
In a few kilometers, the urban noise transforms into open countryside. The gentle hills lead to Almogía and, further on, the landscape becomes more rugged towards Villanueva, where the silhouette of the Torcal looms between olive groves and solitary mountains.
